Vodacom RuggaChat with Jesse Kriel
Guest player: Jesse Kriel, Vodacom Bulls
Q: You are a Maritzburg College Old Boy, did you not have the goal of playing for the Sharks growing up?
A: I definitely did have a goal to play for the Sharks while growing up in natal, but I’m loving it at the bulls so I suppose it’s ok!
Q: What made you and your brother Dan move to Pretoria?
A: I think the whole Bulls setup is awesome and as a youngster growing up and seeing the Bulls win trophies made the move easy!
Q: Are you studying at the moment. If so, how do you find the time with all the Bulls rugby going on?
A: No I’m not
Q: You and Handre Pollard were awesome at the IRB Junior World Champs. Are you good mates off the field?
A: Thanks appreciate that ! He is one of my best mates , Handre my brother and myself live together so we are great mates
Q: Last year you played in the Vodacom Cup for the Blue Bulls. Is it a big step up to play Vodacom SupeRugby?
A: Yes it is a big step up although Vodacom cup is a great stepping stone
Q: Do you actually enjoy gym work? Your Twitter and Instagram pics say that you do.
A: Yes I love the gym , fitness is a passion of mine and I really enjoy working out and improving
Q: During Vodacom SupeRugby, do you get much time off from training? What do you do in your free time?
A: We do get a day off every week, I usually just chill and try get my feet up and recover!
Q: What’s your twin brother Dan up to in the rugby world? Do people ever confuse the two of you? Any funny stories?
A: He is playing Varsity cup and really enjoying it ! Luckily we don’t look the same ! Now and again people call me Dan and call him Jesse but nothing to bad haha
Q: What position did you play as a youngster?
A: I played flyhalf, centre and fullback as a youngster
Q: What would you say is your biggest strength on the rugby field?
A: I really enjoy attacking with ball in hand , it gets me really excited and that’s why I play rugby !!
Q: Who do you think of as the best fullback ever?
A: I think there have been many awesome fullbacks but the two that stand out for me are Christiaan Cullen, and Andre Joubert !
Q: Who is your closest friend in South African rugby?
A: Handre pollard and Francios Hougaard
Q: Everyone talks about Fortress Loftus. Do the Bulls players see it as a big advantage playing there?
A: Yes playing at loftus is defiantly an advantage for us , it’s tough coming up too Pretoria and the altitude also makes it a challenge for other teams
Q: On tour with the Bulls, who do you share a room with?
A: Handre or Francios
Q: What’s your personal rugby highlight of your career so far?
A: I think just being part of the Bulls team is a big highlight for me and I love playing for the team
Q: Which current Springbok do you look up to the most and why?
A: I look up too Victor Matfield , he has an awesome Rugby brain and very high work ethic and is always willing to give advice and help
Q: How much do the coaching staff look into the stats from each player after games?
A: Stats are a big part of the game and at the Bulls, we use them for lots of things
Q: Are you allowed to play with your natural flair and trust your instincts, or is there a prescribed way you are told to play every game by the coaches?
A: Definitely , the coaches encourage the players to express themselves within a frame or system laid out
Q: Do you have any superstitions or things that you always do before a rugby game?
A: No superstitions
Q: A lot is being said about rugby becoming too regulated and strict on the field. Which one rugby law would you like to see changed? And why.
A: I think the laws are put in place to make the game safer and more free flowing, so I don’t really mind! Although more ball in play is great!!!
Q: Are you looking forward to playing in New Zealand again when the Bulls tour in May? Are the New Zealanders as rugby mad as SA rugby fans are?
A: Yes I really enjoyed New Zealand , and can’t wait to go back and play! Yes they are, they really back there teams and are great supporters of the great game we play!
Q: The ladies all want to know, are you single?
A: Haha! Yes I am single.
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